For 170 years, World Expos have provided a platform to showcase the greatest innovations that have shaped the world we live in today. These amazing world fairs have brought us landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Space Needle, and the original Ferris Wheel, as well as innovations like the first live television broadcast, the first look at the telephone and the mobile telephone, and even delicacies like popcorn and the ice cream cone!
kubik is proud to be part of Expo 2020 in Dubai, UAE, continuing this imaginative tradition with the latest technology from around the globe.
The Canadian Pavilion in Dubai (opened in October 2021) combines elements from the Canadian landscape and Arabic architecture to reflect Expo 2020’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’, expressed through three main concepts: sustainability, mobility, and opportunity. The design of the unique wooden pavilion creates a striking symbol of collaboration towards a better future, connecting minds and cultures.
Located in the Expo’s Sustainability district, the Canada Pavilion is wrapped in a wooden geometric lattice façade, referencing the traditional Middle Eastern Mashrabiya. Inspired by the landscape of Canada, the wooden exterior is constructed with Canadian wood, Douglas Fir, and the use of recyclable materials and solar power continues the theme of sustainability. Finally, the circular shape of the pavilion was chosen as a universal symbol of unity and inclusivity.
Inside the pavilion, visitors can embark on an immersive journey through Canada’s past, present, and future, and discover the values that drive our spirit of innovation and collaboration. The main entrance area includes an art installation, Traces, which highlights the uncertainty of the future of ecosystems. The featured experiential component of the pavilion is a 360° immersive theater showcasing Canada’s story, culture, natural resources, innovation, and the connection between people, climate change, and sustainability. In addition to the public presentation, the pavilion also offers a VIP or event space that hosts educational programming.
In collaboration with the Canadian Government External Affairs Department, kubik maltbie Toronto was responsible for delivering the audio-visual and lighting integrated systems for the Public Presentation spaces within the Canadian Pavilion.
This joint effort included the exterior queuing area identified as the “Veranda”, the interior interactive Pre-Show experience, and the 360-degree Main Show Theatre, developed with Lord Cultural Services, NGX Interactive, Electrosonic Inc, and Eos Lightmedia.
The Canada pavilion will be open to visitors until March 2022.